PORTLAND — Families will children who will be 4 years old by Oct. 15 can sign up for the pre-kindergarten lottery now through Feb. 26, and those children who will be 5 by Oct. 15 can be enrolled in kindergarten now through March 5.

The district anticipates 224 pre-kindergarten spots will be available for the 2021-2022 school year. Pre-K participants will be chosen by lottery if more children apply than spaces allotted.

The pre-kindergarten program, which aligns with the Portland Public Schools calendar, is free. Parents have been responsible for providing transportation for their pre-kindergarten students, but the district is hoping to be able to provide transportation for families that need it in the next school year.

For more information, visit www.portlandschools.org/families/school_enrollment or www.portlandschools.org/families/school_enrollment/pre-_kindergarten_classes.